Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device

(19)

(11)

EP 2 074 949 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	26.05.2010 Bulletin 2010/21

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	01.07.2009 Bulletin 2009/27

(21)	Application number: 08254140.0

(22)	Date of filing: 24.12.2008

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International Patent Classification (IPC):

A61B 10/02^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL BA MK RS

(30)

Priority:

27.12.2007 US 964811

(71)	Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
	Cincinnati, OH 45242 (US)

(72)	Inventor:
	Hibner, John A. Mason Ohio 45040 (US)

(74)	Representative: Tunstall, Christopher Stephen et al
	Carpmaels & Ransford 43-45 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2RA London WC1A 2RA (GB)

(54)	Clutch and valving system for tetherless biopsy device

(57) A biopsy device (10) may include a needle (102), a cutter (130), and a handpiece. A vacuum pump (80) may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor (42) may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism (20) within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

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